Gaza Disarmament Deal Set, But Hamas Conditions and Iran Strikes Loom

In a potential breakthrough for the war-torn Gaza Strip, an agreement for the complete disarmament of Hamas and all other armed factions has been announced, but immediate conditions raise questions about its viability. The deal, brokered by the Board of Peace with backing from the Trump administration, was confirmed by senior Hamas officials to AFP on Friday, who also warned that they expect mediators to hold Israel to its commitments. At the same time, Iran launched drone strikes against US targets in Kuwait, and Israeli forces continue to hamper Lebanon’s military deployment in the south.

Hamas sets preconditions: withdrawal first, Israel out of disarmament process

In a statement to Al Jazeera, senior Hamas official Ghazi Hamad declared that the Palestinian movement would not take any steps toward disarmament before Israeli forces fully withdraw from Gaza. He further stressed that Israel would have no role in the disarmament process. Instead, the operation is set to be carried out by a Palestinian national committee, ensuring that the weapons are managed without direct Israeli involvement.

According to an official cited by AFP, the Palestinian technocratic committee established by the Board of Peace to govern Gaza will be the sole entity overseeing the management and storage of Hamas’ weapons. This arrangement appears designed to give Palestinians control over the sensitive process and reassure movement leaders that disarmament is not a surrender to Israel.

Escalation with Iran: Drones target US centres in Kuwait

Separately, the Iranian army claimed responsibility for attacks on “strategic US centres” in Kuwait, conducted with drones. The operation was announced as retaliation for an American strike on a residential home in Qeshm that killed several family members, according to Iranian sources. The attacks mark a dangerous new phase in the long-running shadow war between Washington and Tehran, with a direct military response on a Gulf state’s territory. No immediate casualties or damage were confirmed, but the incident underscores how quickly regional tensions can spiral.

Lebanon: Israeli violations disrupt planned troop deployment

On the northern front, Lebanon’s army commander Rodolphe Haykal voiced frustration over Israeli interference. He stated that Israeli forces were preventing the Lebanese military from completing its deployment in southern Lebanon, accusing the occupation of persistent attacks and repeated violations. His remarks were addressed to soldiers in a speech on Thursday, highlighting the obstacles they face.

Violence flared overnight in the southern towns of Yahmar al-Shaqif—near the strategic Beaufort Castle—Arnoun, and Kfar Tebnit. State media reported “violent explosions” carried out by Israeli forces, with shock waves felt as far as al-Kharrub and Khalde. The blasts are likely to delay any security stabilization in the border area and further fuel mistrust between the two countries.

Implications and next steps

The disarmament agreement, while significant, is far from final. The conditions set by Hamas—especially the demand for Israeli withdrawal as a prerequisite—could stall implementation. The involvement of a Palestinian national committee and a technocratic government offers a fragile compromise, but it depends on all parties respecting their pledges. Meanwhile, Iran’s drone attacks, regardless of their immediate effect, signal that Tehran is willing to strike US assets directly, raising the risk of broader conflict. In Lebanon, the continued Israeli operations threaten the UN-mandated ceasefire obligations and may exacerbate an already volatile situation.

As mediators work to secure Israeli compliance and the Board of Peace tries to cement the agreement, the degree to which Washington and its allies can pressure all sides will be crucial. The next few weeks will determine whether this is a genuine turning point or another false dawn in the Middle East.